Eartha Mae Kitt (January 17, 1927 - December 25, 2008) was an American actress (actor), singer, and cabaret star. She was perhaps best known for her highly distinctive singing style and her 1953 hit Christmas song "Santa Baby". Orson Welles once called her the "most exciting woman in the world." She took over the role of Catwoman for the third season of the 1960s Batman (Batman (TV series)) television series, replacing Julie Newmar, who was unavailable for the final season.